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Thursday, August 19, 2010

A Blog for Better Sewing Sew-Along?

Sew-alongs are in the air . . . and I want in on the action! Would you be interested in a Gertie-hosted sew-along? I posted the idea on my Facebook page yesterday, and the response was quite positive. Now I'd like to hear from the rest of you too!

Here's what I'm thinking:

Coats for fall! I know coats are an advanced project, but I hope that by providing some technical (and moral) support I can have you all tailoring like crazy. Please let me know if you think I'm out of my mind and that we should start with something easier.

So, we should all probably use the same pattern, right? (I'm such a sew-along newb!) LOTS of peeps mentioned the Colette Patterns Lady Grey Coat on Facebook, and I think it could be the perfect choice. Besides being gorgeous, it's a fairly easy entree into the world of coats. One could even think of it as a jacket! The wrap design is easy to fit and isn't too complicated in terms of closures. Another plus is that for those in the Southern Hemisphere, this coat can be made in a lightweight spring fabric, like cotton twill.

In order to give everyone plenty of prep time, we won't start until mid to late September.

I'll go over each step of the planning, fitting, and construction, add some fancy (but totally do-able) tailoring techniques like pad-stitching, and provide videos for visual aids.

I'd like to figure out a way to make this a community project, so that we can see pictures from participants and answer questions as we go along.

So what do you think? Are you interested? Do you like the coat idea? What would you like out of a sew-along?

167 comments:

Wow, yes please. I'm in awe of the tailoring you've been doing lately, while I'm trying to progress beyond Becky-Home Ecky - my husband suggested doing a course, but doing it step by step with everyone else would be great.

I've always wanted to do a sew along! So count me in! I actually need a shorter coat/jacket for the cooler months--I seem to only have long coats in my closet. ;) Plus, I'd love a crack at learning some basic tailoring techniques (before I launch into the 2011 Suit Project ;). I think this will be loads of fun--if nothing else to work on it with a bunch of other sewers! :D

The Lady Grey coat is a perfect pick too--the lines are flattering to just about any figure and I think for most people it won't be too intimidating construction-wise.

I want to do this, Gertie - I was going to get the Lady Grey but became convinced that it was unsuitable for a winter coat; as I recall, the single button and 3/4 sleeves decided me against it. But I still love the pattern. Any chance of a Blog for Better Sewing discount, do you think? It's rather an expensive pattern.

I am so up for this! I really want to make a coat, and the Lady Grey pattern is pretty much the one I'm going for. I've been dreaming of it in either turquoise or bottle green... Either way, count me in! I'd feel much better embarking on a coat project with your tutorials on hand :)

I'd like to try this. I've been wanting to make that coat for a long time. But I hope the sew-along won't be too fast. I don't have the time to sew every day and also, as I live in Europe, I would have to order the pattern first and get it sent here. So a slow and easy sew-along, which doesnt start until the end of Sep, sounds great!

Yes I will do it. I planned on making winter jackets next anyway. I have a pattern for me in mind, but I like the idea of a classic trench. I think this could be a lot of fun. Tailoring is my least practiced sewing skill. I would love to learn more about it. I may have to link your blog in my own blog. I won't have time to do my own projects at the same time. I was about to do a whole series on winter jackets, men, woman, and kids.

Do you think that you could make this coat without a dress form? Its still on my 'need to get' list but they're SO expensive its hard to find the funds when I need to buy text books and pay tuition, you know? Maybe I could do one of those dress forms out of duct tape that I've seen tutorials for...

I'm just about to start making Lady Grey, but I think I can wait a few weeks for a sew-along! I was probably going to be checking your blog for tips and advice as I made it, so this works out perfectly!

Oh, as for community ideas there's Flickr for sharing photos. If you wanna be real geeky I could see how many Google Wave invites I have left. There's also Facebook but I think there are people who aren't too keen on that.

Add me to the list (and the list of those who'd appreciate a discount on the pattern, and a slow-ish pace, as school and fall activities start up shortly ... help!). But it's time for this middle-aged mom to get into something more stylish than fleece!

Would love to. And as you point out I am hoping a lighter weight fabric will work great for this. I live in Atlanta where we don't always even need a real coat in the winter but I LOVE jackets. Do you think a laminated cotton would work? And then it could be a rain coat which is great for the ATL as well. Any who looking forward to it.

I want to play too! I've been wanting to make the Lady Grey for aaages but I've never made a coat before so I've been holding back, but with plenty of moral support and tailoring tips, this sounds perfect!

Lenarrd - I'd always imagined it in turqoise too but now bottle green also sounds gorgeous!

Oh, I'm already so excited! Can you tell from my overuse of exclamation marks!?

Already said it on facebook but I'll say it again, I'm in and I have the pattern already!!!

Was thinking of what colour I'd make it in on my way to work this morning. For today, I'm thinking a lovely emerald green wool. I might change my mind tomorrow! I can get my hands on some truly lovely wool in England. I already have a supplier in mind.

I'm on holiday in the USA till the 19th of September but once I'm back I can catch up if you've already started the sew along by then. I won't be working full time, I'll be starting my own little sewing business so I'll have plenty of time to sew!

I'm actually taking a sewing class this fall, just for learning how to tailor a coat =) So since it's anyway my big fall-project, I'd love to join! (as long as it's possible to combine with the classes, but the teacher seems to be very open-minded and flexible).

One question, though: Would it be possible for me to use a different pattern than the one the rest of you will be using? I have a Vogue coat pattern from -51 I'd planned to use... Otherwise, I'll be just as thrilled to watch you guys and read all the surely amazing tips!

I've never done a sew along before but I bought the Lady Grey pattern a few months ago and was planning on making it soon. It will be my first coat so I would love to see ideas for it and the support of other people making it at the same time!

I absolutely love the idea of a coat sew-along! I don't think I'd be ready to tackle a coat on my own just yet, but I think I could handle it with a little extra guidance. Given the enthusiasm for the Lady Grey pattern in the comments, it seems futile to push for a cheaper or free pattern. Oh well, I suppose this would give me an excuse to splurge.

Gertie -- this sounds great! But further to another reader's comment about dressforms (ie. do we need one?!), do you think I'd need an overlocker for this? My machine is rubbish at zigzag stitching, so I've been trying to work out other alternatives to finish off my seams...!Jo

I would love to give it a go! It looks like a great coat for a newbie to take a stab at. And with some instruction seems do-able. I wanted to suggest though, that maybe there could be some specific instruction on fitting in the bust region. I've noticed there are a few girls with larger busts (I'm one too) and we always have to buy bigger coats or almost literally freeze our tits off. :) So a nice fitting coat would be great!!

I have this pattern sitting around just waiting to be made up, so a sew-along sounds great! Finding just the right fabric will be the toughest part- I'll start now! I'm thinking teal, because my other coats are pretty drab, but it also has to be a quite warm fabric to keep me cozy here in San Francisco (so cold!).

OOooh, I might join and attempt my first ready-made pattern! I would love a shorter coat in a bright colour.

I'm a bit torn because I'm currently making a long coat... I'll have to do some thinking to decide if I want to join or I should practice making my patterns by myself. But I'll be following everyone's progress either way. It's such a great pattern choice!

Do you think it's possible to show a long sleeved variation? That can't be too difficult, can it? I want like, a diesel wool winter coat, and three-quater sleeves, while adorable, may un-diesel my vision.

ooh count me in! i'm going to start saving my pennies so i can buy a nice fabric :3 i've been eyeballing that coat for a couple months now, this is a great kick of motivation!

i think you should do a supplies post before the actual sew-along begins, so we can have a list of things we need to buy when we are preparing - stuff like a thimble, or a certain kind of interfacing, or whatever.

i would love to do something like this - i've been wanting to sew my own coat for ages, just not sure where to begin. while i love the Lady Grey coat, the price tag on the pattern is more than i've been able to spend on anything in ages, let alone for a sewing pattern...nevermind the fabrics...so count me out, but i'll definitely be saving your step-by-step for a time when i can afford to tackle such a project :)

Heck yeah! I made a lined pea coat as the second garment I ever made (oh, probably 8 years ago now). And it's time I made another coat. AND I've got the Lady Grey pattern in my queue. I know exactly the fabric I want to use, this makes me so excited. Plus, even more motivation to get this done.

I think this is an excellent idea! I'd love to finally sew a coat, I love that pattern and I'm always a fan of group projects (so long as they have nothing to do with school. heh.) I might need to figure out a small bust adjustment, but I'll deal. Count me in!

YAY! I've been wanting to make this coat, but I felt like I needed someone to help me along with it. I consider myself an advanced beginner/intermediate sewer and I don't trust myself to make this coat without your expert help.

Gertie - great idea. I just recently fitted/tweaked a muslin(from a self drafted pattern) for a sheath dress and will have to sew up the fashion fabric this weekend for a sew-along I said I would participate in.

I would love to participate in your sew along. I may be slow going but I am sure everyone's input will force me to get back in the game (sew to speak). Sharon might have to live at my place to help me :o).

I've been wanting to try this coat pattern and love your idea! I agree that a Flickr group would be a great way to share photos/discussion. And Colette pattern instructions are easy to follow so it's a great first project.

I would absolutely love to. However (you knew there would be a but, didn't you?) purchasing the materials would eat my budget for the rest of the year, and put a decent dent in next years crafting budget too. Can I be a cheerleader?Tailors tackspad stitcheshorsehair braidOh MY!You can make that coat, and that's no LIE! Goooooo Sewists! YAY! Team! *jumping and pumping*How was that? Did I make it?

WOW!! Too many comments!! And yes I would like!!.......just perhaps for me it's difficult to find the pattern, I have one pattern I bought to print at home the Maccalls 5525 which you already sewed, perhaps I can do that.

I am all over that! I saw this pattern earlier this week and thought it was the best one I'd seen so far to wear this winter. I was going to muddle my way through but I know it would come out right if we had a Gertie Sew-a-long. This will be genius! :o)

Hi Gertie -- I am so excited about this sew along! I've been tempted by the Lady Grey before, but now I feel confident that I can do it. I have one request: I'm terrible at pulling the trigger when it comes to buying fabric, especially when I need more than 5 yards for the project. I don't have great options near where I live, so would you consider giving us the benefit of your excellent taste by posting a few ideas for fabric (say, from Gorgeous Fabrics or another online shop), a week or so prior to when we get started? I have ideas about what color I want, but deciding between wool, wool flannel, etc. is tough.

Ok, I just bought the pattern, I'm really excited. The top of my list for things to talk about in the sew-along are 1) fabric selection (I'm crazy intimidated by this step, for some reason) and 2) potential modifications and tips for executing them (I must admit I'm a bit turned off by the exaggerated lapels on this particular pattern).

Holy! I was going to do this anyway and SUPER excited to get the extra know-how from you, this is just GREAT!!! I bought the wool for this just a month or two ago already, and am completely ready to go, starting end of Sept or early Oct would be great too. Cheers!!!

Yes! Would really enjoy a sew along! I've never tackled a coat but would really like to give it a shot! I had actually been thinking about trying Vogue 1083 but I'm game for starting with your suggestion.

Please count me in too! I'm been dying for a chance to try a Colette pattern and this is my perfect excuse. I already know which fabric I'll use for it too! (Though chances are, I'll change my mind about that 5 times before we start. ;)

I second that motion given above in these numerous comments about starting a Flickr group. That would be the best solution. :)

I'm in. I remember some people who have made this pattern mentioned that they did not need near the amount of fabric that the pattern called for. Anyone out there that has made the pattern and could comment on that?

I think I may be in, too! I've watched several sew alongs recently without taking part in any, but I've been eyeing the Lady Grey pattern for a while now. I'm always so impressed with your sewing knowledge and I'd love to learn more.

I'm in too! Not only do I already have the pattern, I even cut it out a couple of days before you suggested it for your sew-along. Must be fate! Adding a few tailoring tweaks seems like the perfect excuse for delaying starting for a few weeks.

I'm quite interested in doing this, it sounds like a great idea. I particularly like the idea and making a community out of it. I'm quite a beginner so can see myself struggling and giving up soon if I don't have to share it with other. Don't know if you understand what I'm trying to say. We could do it via flickr, facebook group or you could create our own forum in mysewingcircle.com.

I have had my eye on the Lady Grey pattern for a while but was a bit intimidated by it. Now, a Sew Along would give me the confidence to give it a go. I'm in the Southern Hemisphere but I have seen a gorgeous version of Lady Grey in a twill.

Just convinced 2 of my local friends to join me. 2 of us have ordered our patterns so far. When you say instructions for planning, what did you have in mind? Should we be looking for our fabrics now or will that be part of the sew-a-long? Thanks!

I did a sew a log recently and it was great, unfortunately it was for kids clothing, which I make a lot of anyway I need more stuff for me...especially a coat as I'm constantly wearing a daggy polar fleece jacket all the time!

I love the idea of a coat sew-along! I agree with the other comments about being in awe of your tailoring skills (and curiosity about new techniques), so I'm looking forward to the fitting, alterations, and tailoring tips!

I'm not convinced the Lady Grey pattern is ideal for my body-type, so I hope nobody will mind me participating with a different pattern! (realizing of course that the steps won't be identical, but I think close enough to be a really fun and valuable experience!)

What a great idea, I was thinking of making this coat for a while now but i am afraid it will be a little to advanced for me. But with the help of a sew-along it must be possible. And there is a big fabric fair coming up 5 september, so I can start the shopping !!

I decided that I would sew a winter coat this year since my last two are just looking worn out and I have so much trouble finding coats with long enough sleeves. I've even gone so far as ordering my wool - that has now sat in the box for over a month. I have made no plans to actually start the coat - now I have a time line, let's see if I can stick with it.

Love your blog. I just discovered it recently and then came across this. I've never done a sew-along but I think I jacket is a perfect excuse. There are so many bits along the way that need encouragement! So I'm in! (Now how to make it Texas-breezy--we still have summer for another two months.)

Hi--I'm new to your blog but found your sew-along via Colette. I have the Lady Grey pattern and have fabric for it, too. This is a great way to finally tackle this project, as I've been a little hesitant to start. I'd love to participate...!

I would really be into this! I have experience sewing skirts and dresses - but that was a long time ago with my mom to look over my shoulder. Now that I'm in a different country with a brand new sewing machine, I might need a bit of guidance. :)